Ariana and Martin decided that they wanted to do something different, and they did! They were the first wedding ever on the rooftop terrace with a reception in the Victory Club at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Add in some Harry Potter details and lots of Star Wars references, incorporating the bride and groom’s favorite things respectively, and you have a unique party for a fun-loving couple.

This wedding was so much FUN! I knew as soon as I walked into the bridal suite and heard the bride and her maid of honor cracking up that I was in for a fun day.

Having best friends who crack you and wipe away your happy tears is just the best.

The groom wore Rebel Alliance cufflinks and Star Wars socks!

The newlyweds met 15 years ago and went to lots of the same parties and ran in similar social circles for most of that time. Then, about three years ago, something changed between them. They fell in love, and Martin proposed on one knee on a rooftop in Rome on Valentine’s Day. It sounds like a storybook romance, right? We can skip right from there to happily ever after, yes?

Except… real life happens. They both lost beloved grandparents, whose photos were given a place of honor in memorial lockets on the bride’s bouquet, and they found a more committed love and a deeper connection as they went through the bad times as well as the good. The bride’s best friend told me that’s how she knew Ariana had found The One. Martin was unshakeable, and supportive, and loving no matter what, for better or worse.

Time to focus on the “better”- the first look!

The bride and groom are huge football fans and they see lots of NFL games at MetLife Stadium, so it was fitting to get some with it in the background.

I had to get some with their custom Star Wars-inspired logo, too!

Wedding party photos and family pictures right before the ceremony can be a little stressful (although it means you get to enjoy all of cocktail hour!) but the bride’s best friends are hilarious and awesome. We finished one minute early. Booya!

Time to get married!

The adorable flower girl and her “I want cake!” sign were a huge hit.

I love the eye contact here between the bride and groom as she makes her way toward him.

Ariana blew a quick kiss to the assembled guests as a summer breeze blew through the terrace. I love when candid moments like this happen.

The mother of the groom wiped away tears of joy as Ariana slipped Martin’s ring on and then caressed the back of his hand.

After the ceremony, Ariana got a hug from her mom, and it was time to make it all official by signing the marriage license.

Gotta include some horseshoe shots that the bride has been dreaming of since she saw them on Pinterest!

The fun really began when we got the party started with introductions, the first dance and parent dances.

The toasts were just the right mix of funny and touching.

Then it was time for the best part of the night. Ariana and Martin had the best idea for wedding favors that I’ve ever seen. They placed a bet on a horse in their guests’ honor. Since each table was assigned a different racehorse, one table of guests was guaranteed to win big.

They got to watch the race from the Winner’s Circle…

… and present the cup to the winning horse.

As they raced back to their party, Ariana exclaimed, “This is so much fun! How much fun is this?!?” It really was.

She hadn’t had time to eat yet, but she really wanted to dance. So members of the wedding party surrounded her while she rocked out in her seat. Seriously, this couple has amazing friends.

What’s more fun than Harry Potter references on your cake? How about a Star Wars-themed groom’s cake cut by a light saber knife?!?

Also, the bride and groom are RAPPING. So funny.

When a friend can’t fly in from the Congo, FaceTime brings the Congo to you!

We ducked back upstairs to the terrace with the hopes of getting some shots with the New York City skyline at night, but instead we made the most of the rain.

Thank you so much for trusting me with the memories of your hilarious, creative wedding day. I hope these pictures always remind you that the start of your marriage was incredibly fun. Congrats, Ariana and Martin!

Filled Under : Wedding